Findings of the World Travel Trends Report 2008

Rising fuel costs and aviation taxes, fluctuating exchange rates, the continuing threat posed by terrorism in various parts of the world, and natural disasters: despite all these difficult background conditions there has still been substantial growth on the world travel market.

The World Travel Trends Report 2008, reveals that 2007 saw a continuation of the upward trend for the fourth year in a row, with a worldwide increase of 6% in the total volume of outbound travel. The report also showed the significant changes taking place on the worldwide travel market.

In Europe approximately 50% of all international travel reservations were made using the internet, and payment for 36% of all journeys were made online. Compared with 2006 this represents a 12% increase in online bookings. There is a very definite and continuing trend towards greater individuality. As the study shows, an increasing number of consumers are organising their own travel instead of relying on ready-made package arrangements. Current developments also reveal that holiday travellers have become more demanding. Quality and value for money were even regarded as important when picking up "bargain" offers. Changes in the types of holiday are also helping to create a new tourist profile. Instead of only lying on a beach, travellers are showing a greater interest in sporting and cultural activities as well as in educational travel. 

Characteristic features of this changing market have been a stronger focus on hospitality, authenticity and tradition, as well as an increased demand for uniqueness, individuality, travelling in order to experience nature, and sustainability

People from Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and the Netherlands continue to rank among keenest travellers in Europe. However, as far as growth rates are concerned, in 2007 Russia and Spain led the field, with above-average increases of 15 and 16% respectively compared with the previous year.

In inbound travel growth was at its highest in the Asia Pacific region, in Western Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia, where the number of international visitors rose overall by 9%. Tourism from Europe recorded a 9% increase too, compared with just over 3.5% more from America.

The survey conducted by IPK World Travel Monitor indicated that this positive trend is set to continue in 2008. However, experts are conscious of the fact that the housing crisis on the US market and a general downturn in the economy could inhibit the present upturn on the worldwide travel market.

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